In an unprecedented assault on a revered religious site near the Pakistan border, two assailants launched a grenade attack on the Thakurdwara Temple complex in Amritsar. The blast, which shattered windows and damaged the temple’s walls, has raised serious concerns about a potential cross-border conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the region.
According to Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, the incident appears to be a coordinated effort with suspected links to elements from Pakistan. “Efforts are being made by Pakistan to disturb the atmosphere here, and some local youths are involved in this,” he stated, urging young people to refrain from getting involved in such dangerous activities.
A Calculated Strike Amid Festivities
The attack took place during the vibrant Holi celebrations, a period when communal harmony is traditionally in full bloom. CCTV footage reviewed by the police revealed the attackers arriving on a motorcycle, emblazoned with a flag, before one hurled a grenade at the temple. Although the blast significantly damaged the temple wall and shattered nearby window panes, no casualties were reported, with a priest and his family remaining unharmed on the upper floor.
Local resident and advocate Kiranpreet Singh recounted the chilling events: “Around midnight, two individuals on a bike conducted a quick recce outside the Thakurdwara and then threw a grenade. The force of the explosion was such that it even affected adjacent buildings.”
Political Repercussions and Accusations
The attack has ignited a political firestorm in Punjab. Leaders from various political parties have condemned the incident, attributing it to a broader strategy of inciting fear and communal discord in the state. The Shiromani Akali Dal lambasted the state government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, calling for a judicial probe, while BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh demanded a CBI investigation. Chugh decried the “repeated grenade attacks” and accused the current administration of failing to control hostile elements within Punjab.
Chief Minister Mann, in his response, reiterated the challenges faced by a border state, emphasizing that “a number of forces inimical to Punjab have been chalking out nefarious designs to disturb its hard-earned peace.” He credited the upgraded Punjab Police for thwarting many such attempts and vowed that no effort would be spared to ensure the safety and integrity of the state.
An Escalating Threat on the Border
This assault marks what officials have described as the 13th incident of its kind in recent months along Punjab’s border. Past attacks have primarily targeted police stations and personnel, but this latest attack on a temple is seen as a direct attempt to spark communal tension. Political opposition leader Partap Singh Bajwa has gone as far as to call for Chief Minister Mann’s resignation, emphasizing that the increasing frequency of such incidents could potentially plunge Punjab into a state of terror.
Critics argue that the cross-border nexus and the involvement of local elements hint at a more sinister agenda: to exploit religious sentiments and disrupt peace in the region. The Chief Minister and his administration maintain that while the threat remains, the vigilant police force is committed to neutralizing any such provocations.
As investigations continue, authorities are actively pursuing leads on the assailants, with strong indications pointing towards cross-border involvement. The incident has not only rattled the local community but has also stirred a broader debate about the enduring threat of terrorism and destabilizing external influences on Punjab’s socio-political fabric.
